The day of the tournament had finally arrived. Students and teachers from various schools had graced the campus of Jhih Hong Senior High for the inter school Volleyball competition. Since it was the first day of the tournament all the classes of Jhih Hong had been cancelled. This gave an opportunity for the students to come and watch their school compete and to support the team members.

The entrance of the gymnasium was decorated in chinese red colors and the message in bold gold letters welcomed one and all to be a part of the event. As a result of the thorough polishing done, the floor and the bleachers of the gym sparkled like crystal as the overhead lights hit on their surface. A hint of the gym floor finish used to gloss the hardwood of the gym, still permeated the room beckoning one to breathe in the heady scent. All the necessary arrangements required for the competition were carried out to perfection. All that remained now was for the tournament to commence.

The gym was packed with bodies and one could literally feel the excitement in the air. As the director of the school entered and stood on the wooden platform, placed at the centre of the gym, the hall went quiet expectantly waiting for his speech.

"Good day to everyone present here today. It's a pleasure to be hosting this year's volleyball competition at Jhih Hong Senior High and as the director let me take this moment to welcome all the students and teachers of the various schools participating in this competition. Hope our school can serve all your requirements. Lastly I would like to wish good luck to all the teams for their performance. May the best school win....Jiayou!"

A sound of applause resonated in the gym at the director's welcoming speech. After the director's speech the referees, the scorers and the sponsors were introduced. Next the scheduled matches, names of the team's playing against each other for the day were announced. With the introduction and announcements out of the way the first match began.

The Jhih Hong volleyball team were still in their locker room as they still had some time left before their team could play. Coach Zhong was once again going over the strategies of the game with the team, ticking off all the tactics that they had previously discussed about the team that they were going to play against.

"Keep your head cool and be focused in the game. At any given time if you feel you are not able to be in control of the ball, shout out for help to the other team member. In the end it's all about the team co-operation and effort. Is that clear?"

"Yes coach!" The team shouted out their reply.

"Phew! Then we are finally about to get started. Let's put all the year's effort into today's performance and come out victorious. Let's start the tournament with a bang. To Jhih Hong High!"

"To Jhih Hong High!" The team hailed the name with much gusto. They were bubbling with anticipation to show off their skills at the court.

One of the volunteer entered the locker room and informed the team that they were to assemble at the court. Yu Hao just couldn't contain the nervousness within him. This was officially going to be the first match that he would be playing for his school. He couldn't wait to get on the court and contribute to the team's win over Chung Hsing High.

The team followed the coach and the manager towards the gym. Even though he was excited Yu Hao still felt butterflies swarming in the pit of his stomach. Wang Zhen Wen on the other hand looked relaxed and cool as if this was something he did on a daily basis. Glancing at his friend he couldn't help but smile.

"Relax will you.....Just think of it as one of our practise matches and you'll be fine." Wang Zhen Wen said as he hooked his arm around Yu Hao's shoulder. The said guy could only nod in nervousness.

As soon as they entered, the gymnasium went up in an uproar. The students and parents present cheered for the Jhih Hong volleyball team. Seeing the enthusiasm of the spectators the team bowed and waved their approval for all the support from the audience. The team of Chung Hsing High were already present at the court and they looked mighty firce as they stared at the team that had just made their presence known.

A ten minute prep time was allotted to both the teams so that the players could warm up and settle in. The team's of each school huddled for a last minute pep talk before they took their positions at the court. Once done Zi Xuan stealthily made his way to Yu Hao's side and stood besides him.

Yesterday he had been so tired that he had no idea when his eyes had closed and he had fallen asleep with Yu Hao's head resting on his lap. It was mama Xia who had awakened them and ordered them to go and sleep in the room. It wouldn't be good if they caught a crick in their necks before the match. Unsure of the time Zi Xuan had wanted to go home but mama Xia was against it. According to her, she saw no point for him to return home in the middle of the night. It was best if he took a good rest and be well prepared for today's match.

In the morning both him and Yu Hao had rushed from home after having a hearty breakfast prepared by mama Xia. She was regretful that she couldn't come to watch her son play due to some unexpected circumstances at work. However, she had promised that she would definitely come and cheer her son for tomorrow's match. Yu Hao had been unhappy at the news but he had hid it quite well so as not make his mom feel guilty. He had really been looking forward to have his mom come and watch him play.

Zi Xuan's gaze perused the youngster's face whose eyes were glued to the bleachers.

"Hey, you ok?" He asked Yu Hao.

The youngster swiveled his head to face Zi Xuan and he nodded as a faint smile crossed his lips that didn't reach his eyes.

"Don't be disheartened.... She'll be here tomorrow to cheer you on."

Yu Hao was struck speechless at Zi Xuan's words. "How do you know what I was thinking?"

A chuckle escaped Zi Xuan's lips, "the look in your eyes gives you away. It's the way you keep staring at the bleachers so expectantly, as if your mom's gonna call out your name any minute now."

Yu Hao's lips formed a pout as he stated, "I really wanted her to come. It's just that..... I have been giving her trouble all this time. Because of me she was always being called to school for all the wrong reasons. This time around I wanted to do it right. I wanted to make make her proud and seek the approval in her eyes."

As Zi Xuan heard those words, his heart filled with countless emotions. Yu Hao definitely had come a long way. From the first time he had laid eyes upon him till now, he was completely a changed person. And he belonged to him.

Rubbing the youngster's head playfully he continued, "seeing as how you've come this far I'm sure she is proud of you. All the efforts and energy you've put in to turn over your life is not lost on her. So don't dwell on it and concentrate today's game."

With the encouraging words of his lover, Yu Hao felt much relieved. This time a full fledged smile curved his lips and he nodded vigorously. "Mm..hmm...Wish me luck." Saying this he skipped and ran towards the team members who were warming up.

The shrill whistle blew in the air and both the captains of the team were summoned for the toss. Cheng En selected heads and the coin was flipped in the air. When the referee opened his palms, heads it was.

"We will serve the ball first." Cheng En instructed and the referee nodded in approval. Both the team's shook hands and took their respective positions. The team huddled together for their pre match battle cry.

"Go, go Jhih Hong High!"

At the whistle from the referee, Jia Jun walked to the serving line and served the first ball. The ball went across the net but the libero from the opposite team managed to save the ball from making contact with the floor resulting in the their team members to hit the ball to Jhih Hong's side. As soon as the ball was spiked Wang Zhen Wu was already in defence mode. He dove and with a magnificent stretch of his arms, saved the ball and passed it over to Cheng En. The captain in turn, set the ball over to the front line members of their team. Seeing the ball coming his way Yu Hao jumped and spiked the ball with a hard hit in the back left side of the court. Without anyone present there to save the ball, Jhih Hong high scored their first point.

Warm blood coursed through Yu Hao's veins knowing that he had succeeded in gaining the first point for their team. The team members came running to him and patted him on the back however the only praise he was yearning for was Zi Xuan's. Automatically his gaze shifted to the person in question. Zi Xuan stood there, chest filled with pride as an answering smile played across his lips. 'You did good!" The message quite clear in his eyes.

Yu Hao reacted to the compliment with a playful wink of his own, eliciting a chuckle from the team manager. Cheng En who didn't miss the interactions between them smiled and with mock anger he said, "Oi junior! Focus please.....flirt all you want once we win the game....alright?"

An embarrassed blush crept up Yu Hao's cheeks and he nodded shyly. Zi Xuan who had eyes only for Yu Hao creased his eyebrows when he observed the blush tainting his lover's cheeks.

Stupid Cheng En, what did you say that made him blush so adorably. Zi Xuan mentally chastised his friend. That blush had made his mind venture to some very mischievous thoughts. The shrill whistle from the refree made him realize that they were still in the middle of a game.

Since Jhih Hong scored a point and since the service wasn't broken Jin yang once again served. However this time Jhih Hong failed to save the ball when the opponent team spiked causing them to loose the rally.* (The complete number of hits between the teams. The team that wins the rally wins the serve.) This resulted in the opposite team winning a point and the possession of the ball shifted to Chung Hsing High with the score now being 1-1.

{Note: in volleyball the teams are allowed only three touches before they pass the ball to the other side of the net. Also each player can touch the ball only once.}

It was the captain of Chung Hsing who served the ball. The instant the ball reached their side of the court, Yu Hao jumped and passed the ball over to Jin yang in the front left row with an overhead pass. (*Over head pass is the technique that Yu Hao was learning in ep 3 when the ball hits him square on the face causing Zi Xuan to check his eyes for any sign of injury.) Jin yang then set the ball over to Cheng En and the captain hit it over the net. The ball was blocked by the middle player of the opponent team in the front line. However Jhih Hong still scored a point because the person blocking the ball had touched the net resulting in a foul.

The game progressed in this manner with the ball going back and forth and both the team's scoring points from time to time with Jhih Hong High winning the first set by four points, the score being Jhih Hong at 25 and Chung Hsing at 21.

The second set began after a ten minute break with Jhih Hong leading the game by one point. The second match was almost a toe-to-toe battle. The match could be in anyone's hands. As per the rules, the first team to reach 25 points would win the set; however, the game would come to an end only when a team was ahead of the other with 2 points. The score at present was, Jhih Hong at 24 and Chung Hsing at 23.

The previous rally point had gone to Jhih Hong High hence it was now their turn to serve. The person that stood at the serving line was Yu Hao. This was it, this serve would decide the outcome of the match. If they lost this set then they would go on to play another set and the winner will be decided on the rule of 'best out of three' matches. Although, if they managed to gain this point then they would be deemed as the winner, beating Chung Hsing High by 2 points.

The gym quited down as hundreds of eyes were zoomed in on Yu Hao. The said guy breathed in a lungful of air to dispel the tension in his bones and relaxed his mind. He readied his stance for the final serve that would make it or break it for him. But before the youngster could serve he swiveled his head to look at Zi Xuan to gain the strength that he needed. The confident look directed at him was all it took to quiten his jittered nerves. He smiled at the manager and mouthed the words, 'for you'.

Zi Xuan stood alert not wanting to miss this particular serve which was so similar to his. Seeing Yu Hao soar into the air and hit the ball over the net with such precision made his heart skip a beat. It was just, pure perfection. In that moment he felt as if he was one with Yu Hao, body and soul. He felt the impact of the serve through to his bones as if it was him serving the ball over the net.

The ball charged to the opposite side with full force and the libero readied himself for the attacking serve. As he dived to his right his step slipped and he lay on the floor with his hand stretched out in a failed attempt to defend the ball. The blue and yellow orb hit the floor of the court with a resounding smack and bounced away in the far corner of the gym. The refree blew his whistle and pointed at Jhih Hong High.

The gym filled with shouts and cheers as the spectators on the bleachers called out the name of Jhih Hong High in elation. Yu Hao couldn't believe what just happened. He made it, they had won both the matches against Chung Hsing High. Today was definitely his lucky day. He spun around and high fived Zhen Wu who had a wide smile plastered on his face. The team members jumped on him making it difficult for him to breathe. They praised him for his spectacular serve and also thanked him for saving them from having to play another set.

Once he was free from all the attention the coach walked up to him and ruffled his head playfully commending his performance for today's match. She also told him that she looked forward to see what more skills he could bring to the table. With their match done for the day, the team left the gym so that the matches of the next school could commence.

Zi Xuan patiently waited for everyone to walk ahead. He pulled Yu Hao by his hand to the small empty room besides the gym that was turned into a first aid station. Yu Hao followed without resistance even though he didn't know why his beautiful bespectacled lover had dragged him in there.

"Xuan.....What happened....why did you drag me here all of a sudden?"

"Just for a couple of minutes....."

"Huh?"

"Let me hug you for a few minutes." Said Zi Xuan as he pulled Yu Hao in his embrace.

"Don't...I'm all soaked in sweat. I don't want to ruin your clothes." Yu Hao struggled in Zi Xuan's arms but the boy held him even more tighter.

What happened to him? Why is Zi Xuan suddenly behaving like this?

Yu Hao's mind ran around in circles yet he didn't express any of his thoughts aloud. If Zi Xuan wanted him to know the reason then he would definitely tell him, so he waited patiently. Relaxing his body he hugged the tall frame burying his face in the crook of Zi Xuan's neck.

"Sorry for making you worry.....It's nothing serious. I'm just brimming with emotions right now." Mumbled Zi Xuan against Yu Hao's ear.

"Emotions. What kind of emotions?" Yu Hao queried as he stared into those black depths of Zi Xuan's eyes.

"Watching you on the court today brought back a lot of memories." Seeing the worry crease his brows, Zi Xuan assured him, "good memories of course. It's a wonder to know how much we are alike when it comes to volleyball. We share the same dedication and passion for the sport. Since my injury, today was the first time I didn't feel any remorse for not being able to play anymore. Seeing you play made me feel good inside. It was a very beautiful feeling. Thanks for making me feel this way."

"No need to thank me. If you have to thank anyone then thank yourself. Whatever I'm today is all because of you." At Zi Xuan's cute smile he continued in an arrogant tone, "don't worry senior today was only the first match.....With the remaining matches I'll make sure you'll feel exceptionally good with my performance."

"Being a bit conceited, aren't we?" Zi Xuan mocked his little lover and pecked his nose playfully.

"Am I? Well...weren't you who was building the steps to my concietment a while ago?" Yu Hao challenged with an arch of his eyebrow. They stared at each other, electric currents flaring between their gazes. Yu Hao's eyes shifted to Zi Xuan's lips and he spoke in a suggestive voice.

"Do I get a reward for today's victory?"

When asked in such a sensuous voice Zi Xuan couldn't refuse. After all his little turtle's performance had been top notch. He dipped his head and kissed Yu Hao's plump lips. Nevertheless the kiss ended before it even started and Yu Hao protested.

"Seriously!!! After winning the match this is all I get?" He voiced his irritation at the tall guy.

Zi Xuan tried to control the laughter that was trying to burst forth. He loved teasing the adorable guy who was holding him snugly around his waist.

"Well...like you said, this was only the first match. Win all the other matches and I promise I'll give you a much bigger reward than this."

Yu Hao pouted his lower lip in frustration, knowing that he had lost the argument right then and there. Zi Xuan entwined their fingers and pulled him out of the room. "Come on....The other's will be worried where we ran off too. Can't keep them waiting for their star player now, can we?"

Yu Hao could only huff in irritation as he followed the manager out the room without any protest exactly the same way he had entered.

...............................

Author's notes:

Sorry guys I know it's been a long wait. Even though it's a short chapter I still wanted to upload it so plzz don't be mad at me.

Ok... Now for those who didn't get the news already. It has been confirmed by Choco TV that there is going to be a season 3 of History series. I'm so looking forward to this!!!

That's all for now, take care everyone 😚😚

27th July 2018 (11.05 pm)